Climb Denali! – Limited Spots Available on 2027 & 2028 Expeditions.  Click for details.
Learn More

Search Results

label/Avalanche Awareness

Programs

North Cascades, WA Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Crevasse Rescue for Backcountry Skiers and Splitboarders

The glaciated peaks of the Cascades provide a wonderful playground for backcountry skiers and boarders to access to long, sweeping mountain lines, without having to deal with the ones you…

April - May
2 Days
A climber poses at a belay anchor in the Bugaboos of British Columbia on an American Alpine Institute mountaineering course
North Cascades, WA Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 3

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 3 (AMTL 3) from the American Alpine Institute is a key step in our four-part mountaineering course progression. This advanced alpine climbing program builds…

May - September
12 days
Returning to Camp
Alaska Range Special Offer
Type
Expeditions
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Little Switzerland/Pika Glacier Expedition

Little Switzerland is the name given to a series of dramatic granite spires jutting up out of the Pika Glacier like broken teeth. Found just 35 miles south of Denali…

April - July
12 Days
Mt. Baker, Washington Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Alpinism 1 – Introduction to Mountaineering

Alpinism 1 is our most popular entry-level mountaineering course, designed for anyone ready to step into glaciated peaks and alpine environments. Whether you’re dreaming of climbing Mount Baker, aiming for…

May - September
6 days
Sierra Nevada, California Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

California Fourteeners Climbs

We’ve put together a list of the fifteen peaks in California that break the fourteen thousand foot barrier. Climbing routes on these peaks are varied and cater to a wide…

Year-round
1+ Days
A climber looks on at the summit of Glacier Peak during an American Alpine Institute mountaineering course
Glacier Peak, WA Special Offer
Type
Group Summit Climbs
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Glacier Peak Climb and Skills Clinic

Glacier Peak, the most remote of Washington’s Cascade volcanoes, offers a truly classic alpine experience. Our Glacier Peak Skills and Climb program combines an unforgettable summit attempt with hands-on instruction…

June - July
6 days
Eastern Sierra, California Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Guided Alpine Climbing in the Sierra

Whether you want technical skills practice, a 14,000 foot summit, or a classic alpine route, the Eastern Sierra offers it all. By booking private guided climbing, our guides meet you…

Year-round
1+ Days
A climber follows while ice climbing the North Ridge of Mt. Baker
North Cascades and Central Washington Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Guided Ice Climbing and Winter Ascents in the Cascades

…systems, routes require advanced movement, efficient systems, and constant assessment of conditions. Coupled with often long approaches in avalanche terrain, winter ascents here are not for the faint of heart….

December - March
1 day and up
Inyo National Forest, California Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Mt. Whitney Climb

Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 states and the crown jewel of California’s Sierra Nevada. Climbing Mt. Whitney lets you experience one of America’s most beautiful…

May - October
3-5 days
Two climbers at an anchor learn how to do a tandem rappel on an American Alpine Institute climbing course
WA, CA, NV and UT Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Technical Self-Rescue for Climbers

Even experienced climbers can face unexpected challenges on the rock. Your partner may get stuck mid-route, a novice climber may freeze halfway up a toprope, or an injury could make…

Year-Round
2 days
Washington, California & Nevada Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course

…Trace Level 1 Instructor courses (two-day) and Awareness Workshops (one-day or shorter). ​ For those who desire a shorter and more economical program, check out our 2-day Leave No Trace…

Year-Round
5 or 6-Days Depending on Program
Squamish and Bugboos Provencial Park, BC Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Bugaboos Trad Leadership & Multi-Pitch Efficiency

Tucked deep in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, the Bugaboos offer a world-class classroom for climbers ready to step confidently into the realm of alpine rock leadership. Soaring granite…

July - August
10 days

Program Activities

Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering image

Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering

Search Results (27)
This is mountain climbing in its most classic form – over rock, snow, alpine ice, and glaciers, in pursuit of major summits.
Rock Climbing image

Rock Climbing

Search Results (11)
Once mere skill-practice for mountaineers, rock climbing is now a highly developed sport, with numerous sub-disciplines such as trad, sport, and aid.
Ice Climbing image

Ice Climbing

Search Results (9)
One of the most fundamental skills of mountaineering, ice climbing comprises skills for tackling both waterfall ice and alpine ice/glacier ice.
High Altitude Climbing & Seven Summits image

High Altitude Climbing & Seven Summits

Search Results (6)
Climbing the highest mountains in the world is a special discipline of mountaineering, with unique challenges and rewards.
Backcountry Skiing & Boarding image

Backcountry Skiing & Boarding

Search Results (19)
Guided skiing in world-famous backcountry, and skills instruction for skiers, split-boarders, and ski mountaineers
Avalanche Training image

Avalanche Training

Search Results (14)
Avalanche safety training is a must for anyone who ventures into the backcountry in winter, and we offer the gold standard in avalanche education.
Hiking And Backpacking image

Hiking And Backpacking

Search Results (4)
Living and moving in the mountains is a reward in itself, and provides the fundamental skills that underlie all mountaineering.
Wilderness Skills image

Wilderness Skills

Search Results (7)
Those who venture into the wilderness must draw from a deep skill base, including navigation, outdoor cooking, water purification, and countless others.
Outdoor Educator & Guide Training image

Outdoor Educator & Guide Training

Search Results (9)
Technical and non-technical leadership courses from the AMGA's longest-accredited guide service
Technical Rescue & Medical image

Technical Rescue & Medical

Search Results (5)
Industry standard technical rescue and wilderness medicine instruction

Program Types

Instructional Courses icon

Instructional Courses

Search Results (44)
Intensive mountain skills instruction and summit climbs
Group Summit Climbs icon

Group Summit Climbs

Search Results (4)
Introductory summit climbs with some skills instruction
Expeditions icon

Expeditions

Search Results (5)
Longer trips in remote locations to ascend major peaks, including the Seven Summits
Private & Custom Trips icon

Private & Custom Trips

Search Results (18)
Custom adventures for individuals or groups – with the best-trained guides in the industry
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking icon

Treks, Tours, & Backpacking

Search Results (2)
Full-service, non-technical adventures for all outdoor enthusiasts
Government, Military, & Veterans icon

Government, Military, & Veterans

Search Results (3)
Training for government personnel and vocational programs for veterans using VA benefits
Youth Climbing Programs icon

Youth Climbing Programs

Search Results (2)
Our youth programs inspire young adventurers to explore the outdoors, build confidence, and develop climbing and leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Mountain Center icon

Mountain Center

Search Results (4)
Short classroom and outdoor courses, films, lectures, and other low-cost programming for the local outdoor community

Articles

Blog Posts

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 1/14/21

American Alpine Institute
January 14, 2021

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 4/18/19

American Alpine Institute
April 18, 2019

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/1/16

American Alpine Institute
December 1, 2016

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 3/3/16

American Alpine Institute
March 3, 2016

Climbing, Skiing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 1/15/26

American Alpine Institute
January 15, 2026

The Turkey Problem: Why Past Success Can Make Climbers and Skiers Less Safe

American Alpine Institute
October 28, 2026

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 10/8/15

American Alpine Institute
October 8, 2015

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 2/24/22

American Alpine Institute
February 24, 2022

Steeped in Tradition – Alta Ski Patrol

American Alpine Institute
December 4, 2020

Mountain Electronics (2025)

American Alpine Institute
October 12, 2025